Why Portugal is the perfect windsurf holiday destination

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Windsurf-portugal

Why Portugal is the perfect windsurf holiday destination

Portugal is fast becoming one of Europe’s must-see destinations. Visitors to this ancient country are always struck by the friendliness of the people, the affordable food and wine, and for the avid windsurfers, it offers 800km of Atlantic coastline with some incredible windsurfing action!  

portugal-beach

Windsurfing in Portugal

In West Portugal you will find one of the best spots for windsurfing in the world at Cabedelo Beach near the port town of Viana do Castelo. The conditions at Cabedelo are perfect for both beginners and more advanced windsurfers. This is due to the large breakwaters that protect the entrance to the port and provide flat water inside the harbour while good waves can be found further down the bay. The summer months offer reliable side-shore winds and a range of conditions, from flat water to great wave spots.

windsurf-cabedelo-beach

Further south in the Sagres region of The Algarve, you will find a stunning beach and an international windsurf centre that attracts avid windsurfers from all over the world. It is not just a flat water freestyle heaven as just five minutes away from the centre, on the other side of the peninsula, there are incredible wave conditions for more advanced sailors.

Windsurf-Martinhal-beach

Other great windsurfing spots include Matosinhos, near the iconic city of Porto. This is the perfect place for intermediate to advanced surfers to practice their freestyle moves, catch some waves and try speed riding in the large bay area. Guincho, in Cascais, is the home of Portuguese wave windsurfing and is part of the PWA World Tour schedule.

Best windsurfing hotels in Portugal

Hotel FeelViana – This brand new hotel is set right on Cabedelo Beach, so with just a few steps out of the door of your room you will be right in the heart of the best windsurfing spot in Portugal. The hotel has an incredible sports centre stocked with all the latest equipment and an amazing team of passionate windsurfers to assist you.

Feelviana-sports-centre

The hotel is set in a natural pine forest and has worked hard to keep the styling of the hotel in line with the natural beauty of the surrounding area. It is a stunningly comfortable hotel, perfect for couples, singles and families looking for that perfect windsurf holiday.

Feelviana-Hotel-Portugal

Martinhal – This hotel is a masterpiece of contemporary design that mixes luxury with a laid-back charm. Positioned within a protected natural park near the historic fishing port of SagresMartinhal is where luxury meets nature.

Martinhal-Portugal

The resort offers accommodation that suits both families and couples and coupled with an incredible on-site windsurf centre, it is an ideal destination for your next windsurfing holiday. The windsurf centre offers rental and lessons for any level but also provides loads of additional activities for non-windsurfing friends and family.

Martinhal-Beach-Portugal

Getting there

Getting to Portugal from the UK is extremely easy and relatively cheap. There are daily flights that arrive in Lisbon as well as Porto and Faro. If you are more keen on the road less travelled then there are daily train schedules to Portugal from London Waterloo via Paris.

Best Portugal experiences

Visit Porto – Although it is the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto tends to feel more authentic and traditional than the larger city of Lisbon. Porto has a great dose of culture, architecture and top-notch food, not to mention some fantastic wine. It is definitely a must-see!

Porto-City-Portugal

Surf some incredible breaks – If you are into surfing, the wild uncrowded waves of the Atlantic that meet the coastline in Portugal are definitely worth a ride. If you’re not so much into surfing but love the ocean, then visit Nazaré where you can witness some giant waves and just enjoy watching the magic of the sea!

surfing-Portugal

Explore the Azores – These remarkable volcanic islands are located 1,500km off the coast of Portugal. Spend some time exploring the stunning lakes, mountains and cliffs that make up these volcanic islands.

Azores-Portugal

Visit the best Aquarium in the world – The Oceanário is well known by travellers as being the best aquarium in the world. Check out the playful otters, hang out with the penguins or just enjoy the architecture of the building which enough of a reason to visit by itself.

Oceanário-Portugal

Try the seafood – It’s no surprise that Portugal has some of the best seafood with access to the wild Atlantic Ocean. Like the seafood itself, the Portuguese cuisine is fresh and displays delicious and original combinations.  Try an octopus salad or the famous Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams).

Seafood-Portugal

Indulge in some of the best wines in the world – Portugal is home to a number of fantastic wineries and one of the best ways to explore these are on the back of a bicycle! Alternatively, join our Wine and Wind in West Portugal tour and discover the oldest wine region in the world while enjoying a majestic boat journey along the River Douro!

With so many reasons to visit Portugal its no wonder, its a top destination for a windsurf holiday. Contact us to help plan your holiday to this incredible country!